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A smartphone, with its host of app options and hardware setups, remains crucial for anyone in the technology business. However, the constant call for innovation and new functionality can leave both users and companies scrambling. No one wants to be stuck with suboptimal, overpriced or nonfunctional hardware, so there's a constant question among users: Which phone is best?

Nine tech leaders from Forbes Technology Council offer their analysis on how the smartphone market will shake out after recent changes, including Apple's removal of the headphone jack, Galaxy Note's safety concerns or Google's introduction of the Pixel.

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1. Google's Pixel Will Be Interesting

While it's difficult to say who will win out in the smartphone market, I'm keeping my eye on the Pixel, as Google has some interesting features and is taking the smartphone to the next level with VR compatibility and other integrated features. Apple is still innovating, but hasn't done much to move the needle forward. And, well, Galaxy has a long way to go. - Chalmers Brown, Due

2. Android Will Win

It's Apple versus the world. It only takes one misstep and the world will trample them. It's too difficult to stay ahead. The headphone jack (or lack thereof) is just one example of the difficulty. Will the concept be revolutionary or will it be so poor a decision that the iPhone takes a huge hit? Who knows. But eventually, one of these decisions will fail and Android will win. - Charlie Youakim, Sezzle

3. No Jack Won't Matter

Apple will win some converts because of the Galaxy 7 fiasco, but this won't trigger a larger migration to Android. Why? Because of the costs of switching photos, apps and music. The Pixel is a beautiful, pure Android experience that avoids a cluttered interface and pre-installed apps — i.e. Apple-like. Droid lovers will love it and they’ll stay where they’re at. - Mike Brannan, Centric Consulting, LLC

4. It's Not About The Tech

As much we'd like to focus on the specs sheets, history has shown us that the consumers will gravitate towards devices perceived as being the trendiest. Technology being "good enough" gets you on the board, and emotional attachment lets you hit the bulls eye. Therefore, it's going to come down to marketing. Apple's success means huge expectations, so there's a good opening for others now. - Sagi Brody, Webair

5. Apple Knows What They're Doing

I believe that Apple knows what they are doing and will stay on top. As strange as it seems to eliminate the headphone jack, many headphones are already moving toward cordless with Bluetooth. Apple is just the first to recognize the headphone jack as unnecessary. Plus, removal allowed the iPhone to become water resistant, undoubtedly saving countless phones from water damage. - Andrew Kucheriavy, Intechnic

Apple's been dropping the ball and it just keeps rolling down the hill. Many consumers were downright angry about the headphone jack, and it looks like they're having the same sentiment about the new Macbook Pros. Who will actually win the smartphone market is anyone's guess — I might put it on Google purely because they've got so much raw muscle — but Apple's stance is slipping farther every day. - Ben Lee, Neon Roots

7. Competition Is Better Than A Complete Victory

I don't believe there will ever be a singular winner in the smartphone market. Apple's decision to get rid of the headphone jack is ultimately a minor one, and one that will drive few heavily invested Apple users to another platform. The Galaxy Note safety fiasco was unfortunate, but the device itself is one of the best on the market. Samsung users will remain Samsung users because they make the best Android devices. Google's entry into the market will be closely watched by many, but I do not believe it offers enough to cause a significant number of users to switching sides. All in all, it is the intense competition amongst these companies that has brought us so far so fast. As the years pass, the user base grows more heavily invested in his or her particular platform and sustaining ecosystem. This creates a growing force of friction for those users to switch. - Joshua Bauer, Wurrly

8. Apple's Grip Is Firm, But Could Slip Without Changes

Apple is ahead in the smartphone market today, but their leadership is tenuous. Their powerful ecosystem is a draw for consumers, but their products' competitive edge is narrowing and price differential growing. They must start rewarding loyal customers or face a fall. As far as the headphone jack issue goes, I’m not happy that I’ll need to take two sets of headphones or an extra adapter to the gym or on airplanes. - Adam Wray, Basho Technologies

9. Trends Will Continue

There will not be a single winner. Apple and Samsung will definitely be the leaders. However, expect Google to be in the mix as the leader in innovation of consumer apps and intuitive experience; their release of Pixel is a clear indication of that. Additionally, consumers are usually loyal to the brand and look and feel they are used to, so it's hard to see them switch without a compelling reason. - Bishnu Nayak, FixStream Inc.

Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only, fee-based organization comprised of leading CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Find out if you qualify at forbestechcouncil.com. Questions about an article? Email feedback@forbescouncils.com....